The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, on Wednesday declared that the party’s presidential primary election had proven that democracy and healthy political competition could flourish in Nigeria without rancour, violence or division.
Mark made the remark during the official collation and declaration ceremony held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where former Vice President emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general election.
The keenly contested primary drew national attention as prominent political figures battled for the party’s ticket in what observers described as one of the most orderly and transparent exercises conducted by a major political party in recent times.
Atiku defeated former Minister of Transportation, , and former banker, , to clinch the ADC presidential ticket.
Announcing the result before party delegates, officials and observers, the returning officer stated that Atiku secured a total of 1,846,370 votes to emerge winner of the exercise. Amaechi polled 504,117 votes, while Hayatu-Deen garnered 177,120 votes.
According to the official figures presented at the event, the total votes cast during the primary stood at 2,546,457, while the total party membership eligible for the exercise was 3,113,599.
The announcement triggered loud cheers from supporters gathered inside the hall, many of whom waved party flags and chanted solidarity songs in celebration of Atiku’s victory.
In his address shortly after the declaration, David Mark commended party members for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the process, stressing that the primary had strengthened confidence in internal democracy within political parties.
He said the conduct of delegates, aspirants and party officials demonstrated that politics in Nigeria did not have to be characterised by hostility, bitterness or violence.
According to him, the ADC had shown Nigerians that political contests could be conducted transparently while preserving unity among party members regardless of differences in ambition or opinion.
“This primary election has shown clearly that democracy can still thrive in Nigeria without crisis, without confusion and without division. What we have witnessed here today is a victory for democratic values and for our nation,” Mark said.
He praised the aspirants for displaying maturity and sportsmanship throughout the contest, noting that the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the exercise reflected the commitment of the party to credible democratic principles.
Mark also congratulated Atiku on his emergence as the party’s standard bearer and urged all party stakeholders to unite behind the candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former Senate President called on party supporters across the country to remain committed and mobilise Nigerians who desired what he described as competent and experienced leadership.
Political observers at the event noted that the large turnout and orderly conduct of the exercise marked a significant moment for the ADC as it seeks to position itself as a major force ahead of the next election cycle.
Atiku, while addressing delegates after his victory, thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and promised to work towards building a united and prosperous Nigeria.
The former vice president said the outcome of the primary reflected the collective desire of party members to reposition the country and strengthen democratic institutions.
He pledged to carry all contestants along in the journey toward the 2027 elections, insisting that there were no losers in the contest.
“This victory belongs to every member of our party. We all share the same vision for a better Nigeria, and together we will continue to work for the progress, stability and development of our country,” Atiku stated.
Supporters of Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen were also seen congratulating the winner after the announcement, a development many delegates described as evidence of growing political maturity within the party.
Several party chieftains who spoke with journalists after the exercise expressed optimism that the successful conduct of the primary would boost public confidence in the ADC ahead of the general elections.
Analysts believe Atiku’s emergence could reshape the political landscape ahead of 2027, especially considering his long-standing influence in Nigeria’s political space and the prominence of other contenders who participated in the race.
The ADC leadership reiterated its commitment to issue-based campaigns and peaceful political engagement as preparations begin for the next phase of electoral activities across the country.
Wednesday’s exercise ended on a celebratory note as delegates and supporters continued jubilations late into the evening, with party leaders expressing hope that the unity displayed during the primary would translate into greater strength for the party in the months ahead.
